Senior Specialist - Device Ecosystems.Commercial Operations SA at MTN

JOB DESCRIPTION

Mission/ Core purpose of the Job:

• To lead the implementation of overall device ecosystem proposition and assist the various product development portfolios for the consumer segment in providing optimal ecosystem-based services that will drive device profitability as aligned to the generic product and services strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Performance Areas: 

Operational Planning

• Interface with Solutions Managers and Segment Managers with identified commercially viable ideas and products;
• Contribute to the development and execution of the business strategy and plans through the Solutions Team;
• Is responsible for the full process of designing and developing products;
• Align operational device ecosystem strategy, portfolio and  device service objectives for the consumer segment with overall business strategy of the Product and Services function;
• Consider the long term (1-2 years) implications of actions from a broad perspective including long term positioning and strategy;
• Operate within the device value chain;
• Consider the impact of solutions on other areas of the business, as well as the interdependency of units;
• Drive best practice, continuous improvement and innovation at process and procedure level within the device and ecosystem environment;
• Consider local conditions, as well as competitor activity and provide constant updated competitor analysis and insights around device solution and ecosystems development. Construct, implement and fine-tune methods, processes and systems to enhance effectiveness together with Device Value Chain and meet organisational goals;
• Fine tune systems in line with changing work practices, providing the context for those providing services;
• Develop business growth plans and roadmap for device solutions and services  and support the Product and Services Planning;
• Identify and exploit new opportunities to grow the business further by means of exploiting the increased penetration and deployment of smart devices along with other products and services and in alignment with segment within all channels;
• Manage resources (people, finances and products), taking local conditions into consideration;
• Identify innovative ways to use minimum resources to achieve maximum outputs;
• Identify ways to create revenue earning opportunities by aligning product with services and take to market through segment; and 
• Develop the functionality of the department by improving processes continuously.

 Device  Ecosystems strategy, portfolio and Service Development

• Support Senior Manager, Product Solutions Team, Device and Application teams in all aspects of the roll out of an effective Devices Ecosystems Strategy for the business;
• Work with internal stakeholders and the broader Product and Solutions team as well as Segment teams in the development and execution of devices and  services across all functional device types;
• Provide support in all aspects of the roll out of and effective device strategy for the business;
• Assess the market, competitors and technology advancement in terms of devices and services offering and liaise with segment managers and sales channels;
• Recommend changes to products and services offerings based on analysis and trends;
• Collaborate with marketing and finance regarding pricing models for services and communicate this with segment and channel;
• Assist in management of the segment specific products and services related to applications, device ecosystems ,device operating system enhancements;
• Manage relationships with third party device, platform and solution service providers including Brightstar;
• Build and maintain sustainable and profitable relationships with all stakeholders;
• Build, manage  and maintain strong relationships with OEM’s and other associated vendors; 
• Maintain good communications and relationship with product, segment and channel;
• Maintain good relationships with accessory partners and assist in aligning strategically to ensure ability to generate revenue earning potential 
• Assist in the Preparation of concept documentation, marketing plans by segment and manage the implementation of plans and projects in conjunction with key concerned stake holders;
• Develop new solutions related products, services and technologies;
• Manage and resolve day to day operational requirements of the device ecosystem portfolio;
• Provide support to the decision making around new products and services development and maintenance of existing products and services within the device and services domain;
• Ensure effective processes to facilitate optimal functioning of the device and service portfolio;
• Present ideas on device ecosystems performance; 
• Manage the marketing of all device solutions and services aligning with marketing and segment 
• Manage delivery of projects and products relevant to the device ecosystems development  portfolio along with key stakeholders within product, segment and channel;
• Manage the dissemination of technical information and demonstration capacity to the sales force and supply information to clients as required along with marketing, channel and segment specific.

Device Service Development Improvement 

• Ensure MTN is positioned to leverage the increased penetration and adoption of smart devices by marketing existing and developing service fits to industry changes;
• Originate and manage marketing research around consumer insights and market share and exploit findings for the benefit of device ecosystems development;
• Analyse new technology trends and innovations;
• Analyse key internal and external performance indicators;
• Find innovative new device services initiatives and capitalise on opportunities; and
• Participate in project lifecycle from new product research, modelling, implementation and ongoing product evaluation

Budget Management

• Forecast, plan, develop and review budget for Device Ecosystem Development;
• Manage and optimise the budget, ensuring all expenditure is in line with the agreed budgets;
• Ensure cost effectiveness by maximising cost/benefit ratios;
• Base annual budgets on the identification of trends and patterns within the current operations and extrapolate these over the next planning cycle, taking any known changes in new products or services into consideration;

Customer Satisfaction

• Align service delivery to changing needs of the business and markets;
• Understand customer needs and develop and fine-tune systems accordingly;
• Ensure customer needs and requirements are satisfied through appropriate systems, processes and procedures;
• Put contingency plans in place to prevent delays and enhance the customer experience;
• Adopt a proactive approach to prevent problems from arising in the future;
• Initiate change to continually improve all aspects of service delivery and develop new products and services; and
• Identify trends and patterns pertaining to customer requests and needs to continually improve all aspects of service delivery.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements  

Education:

• Degree or Business qualification in IT or Commerce etc. 

Experience:

• At least 5 years experience of New Business and New Product Development or, Product Management, etc.
• At least 2-3 years experience in a similar management position, in dynamic and fast-moving industries
• In depth knowledge of telecoms architecture and components, GSM, etc.
• Sound financial, project management and product development and reporting knowledge

Training: 

• Products and Services
• GSM and mobile Telecommunications knowledge
• Process and business modelling
• Financial analysis
• Relationship Management
• Systems training
• Computer software training
• Project management
• New Business Development